Consultation opens on the future of leisure and wellbeing provision in Welwyn Garden City

The Council is exploring how Welwyn Garden City can better meet future leisure needs, support healthier communities and create new opportunities for residents now and in the future. 

The town does not currently have its own public swimming pool and demand for swimming, indoor sports and leisure facilities is expected to continue to grow.  WHBC is asking for views on whether the current Panshanger Golf Course site could help meet these future leisure and wellbeing needs.  The proposal could include a new swimming pool and leisure centre, sports hall, gym, soft play, café, outdoor play areas, walking routes, accessible green space, community garden or allotments, biodiversity improvements and new homes, including social rented homes. 

The Council would like to hear from local residents, families, young people, sports clubs, local businesses and anyone who cares about the future of leisure facilities in Welwyn Garden City.   

Full details of the proposal can be found at welhat.gov.uk/leisure-engagement along with the survey. Residents and businesses have until 11:59pm on Friday 31 July 2026 to complete the survey. 

Council officers will also be holding drop-in engagement sessions at the following locations: 

• Monday 13 July | 11am–2pm | Humphrey’s Café, Campus West 
   
• Wednesday 15 July | 5pm–8pm | Panshanger Community Centre 
   
• Monday 20 July | 5pm–9pm | Haldens Sports and Social Club 
   
• Saturday 25 July | 11am–2pm | Howard Centre, First floor next to the train station 

Councillor Max Holloway, Executive Member for Community and Leisure, said: 

“The promotion of health and wellbeing through local leisure and cultural opportunities are a priority for the Council, as is the provision of high-quality homes for all. As it is Council-owned land, we can ensure that we can deliver this proposal on our terms. Your feedback to this consultation will help us to understand what matters most to the community and whether this proposal should be explored further.  I would encourage everyone to find out more about the proposal on the Council’s website or by attending one of the drop-in sessions before completing the survey.” 

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Climate Change, said:

“This consultation is an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of leisure and wellbeing in Welwyn Garden City.  It is important that we hear from as many people as possible so please visit the Council’s website for more information on the proposal or come to one of the drop-in sessions so that you can have your say.”